The Unicorn Reunion Tour!

Like I said in my first post, my crochet unicorns are my most popular items. I have made over a dozen custom orders for my students and others (using this pattern from Eden Dintsikos, found at Ravelry.com). This post will show a small sampling of the various possible color combinations, although there are endless possibilities!

Madelyn's unicorn shows the most popular color combination: white and hot pink. 

The unicorn on the left is Isabella's, and the one on the right is Brooke's. 

I love how they added their own accessories to personalize their unicorns and showcase their personalities! This photo shows how you can easily adapt the size of the unicorn by using different thicknesses of yarn and different sizes of crochet hooks. 

Brooke's unicorn was one of the first I made, in light and dark purples. I love how Brooke added her own accessories--a pink fuzzy headband/crown, and a cute little pink dress!

Isabella's unicorn (which she named Clara) is made with hot pink and peach yarn, and she added a tutu and legwarmers that came with her American Girl doll, which happen to be the perfect size!

Here's a better picture of the legwarmers, and the cute little braided tails!

A New Venture (and Adventure)

I am starting this blog as the first brave attempt at growing my little baby craft business.

I like to crochet toys (the technique is known as amigurumi) for my family, friends, dance students, acquaintances...anyone who will enjoy them and needs their day to be brightened a little!

Picture from Yarn Yard

My most popular item thus far has been this crochet unicorn from Yarn Yard (the link will take you to the free download page at Ravelry.com). Here is a similar one from Little Yarn Friends. I will post pictures of my creations (in all the different fun colors, and two with wings added also!) soon, but photography is not my strongest skill, so please be patient!

I have also made toys by request: two giraffes, an elephant, a jellyfish, a wolf, a seal, a panda, and currently I am working on an adorable puppy dog (among other things)

And then there are the usual projects in crochet: scarves, dishrags, baby blankets, other various size rectangles...pictures soon to follow!

I need all the advice I can get on crochet, crafting in general, starting a handmade business, and being a successful entrepreneur. I know this blog and the business will start slowly, so for right now I am treating it like an important hobby/semi-part-time job. I am going to start looking into getting the proper business licensing and really growing though, because when I move to Minnesota in May, I want to be able to rely on this as an extra source of income and a way to keep me occupied while I look for another job in my other area of expertise: dance (particularly ballet, modern, and musical theater). AAAHHH! Lots of terrifying (but exciting!) changes are in my future.

Will you come along on this new venture/adventure with me?

Questions: 

1. How did you start your handmade business? Did you let it take off slowly, or did you jump in with both feet? 
2. What has been the biggest thing that has helped your business to grow? A blog, going to craft fairs, setting up an online store? 
3. Are there any resources you would recommend (crochet/craft, business/entrepreneurial, or other)? I have Kari Chapin's books, The Handmade Marketplace (which I read and was extremely helpful) and Growing Your Handmade Business. Any other books, tutorials, blogs, etc. that you found helpful?